Students from the Immersive Video Production course (RTV 5596/4595) utilized 360 video technology to create a non-fiction, immersive experience for their audience. Led by Dr. Andy Opel, the students collaborated with the Apalachicola Riverkeeper, a non-profit organization committed to protecting and preserving the Apalachicola River and its watershed.

The project aimed to create videos that emphasize the importance of the natural environment and raise awareness and support for its protection. To achieve this goal, the team chose to highlight the visually compelling nature and significance of the Apalachicola River and the Slough Restoration project.

Julia Galli, a student who participated in the project, said, "We felt that Apalachicola Riverkeeper lent itself incredibly nicely to the topic at hand, naturally providing a beautiful and intriguing setting to place the viewer within, in addition to a compelling topic that many individuals do not know much about. The story drew us in, and with the help, knowledge, and support of Georgia Ackerman, Cameron Baxley, and Dan Tonsmiere, it quickly became very apparent that the Apalachicola River was a topic that deserved to be highlighted and advocated for."

The students utilized 360 video technology to create an immersive experience for the viewer, allowing them to experience the natural environment and the importance of protecting it. They were able to view their videos in a 360 video dome. The project provided the students with a challenging opportunity to expand their knowledge and expertise in production while highlighting the significance of the natural environment.

"The most interesting and exciting element of completing this project was the opportunity to challenge myself as a producer and videographer in a location that was out of my comfort zone. While difficult at times, the experience expanded my knowledge and expertise of production greatly, all while getting to spend the morning on a boat!" said Julia.

Through the video, the partner, Apalachicola Riverkeeper, can raise awareness and support for the Apalachicola River and its watershed. The video can be utilized to further these goals and highlight the potential of immersive video applications in documentary/reality-based settings.

To learn more about Apalachicola Riverkeeper and their mission to protect the Apalachicola River and its watershed, visit their website at https://apalachicolariverkeeper.org/.

To learn more about the Living Lab program and how it connects students with community partners to tackle real-world challenges, visit FSU's Office of Sustainability website at https://sustainablecampus.fsu.edu/living-lab-program.